After our dismal performance in the Cock Island Race, we left early the next morning for northern VA to get in our annual physicals and a visit with our friend, Cookie. Upon our return, we had only a few days to prepare to leave on our big trip to the west coast for a cruise along the Alaskan inside passage. Needless to say, we didn't get a lot of boat projects done over this last few weeks.

M/S Volendam in Juneau

Traveling in StyleSnow-capped mountains descending in thick, forested slopes to glacier-blue seas, littered with ice and visited by all manner of creatures. Something tells us we are not in Kansas – or our usual east coast cruising grounds – any more. We saw these wonderful sights on our cruise to Alaska, but this time we let someone else drive, taking a cruise on one of those big ships to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We left from Vancouver, a beautiful Canadian port city and stopped in the ports of Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. One day was spent sailing up in the Glacier Bay National Park. The scenery was gorgeous, and the weather for viewing it was near-perfect.

In addition to letting someone else drive, it was great to relinquish the cooking, cleaning, provisioning, engine maintenance, etc., etc. . . . . to someone else. Although we had some issues with Holland American staff, which would keep us from recommending this cruise line, we had a good time and wouldn't hesitate to do it again, just on another line.

If you're interested in more details about the trip, click on the pictures below and read about what we did.

Three of a kind

Kids and Animals

Before leaving for Alaska, Bonnie and Troy came for a visit with the grandkids. We made a trip to the Virginia Living Museum and got re-acquainted with the animals. When we got back to the boat, Daddy Troy and little Troy went about catching some local wildlife to take home. Little Troy was proud to say he caught 4. Taylor just caught Grandpa.

We returned to Hampton on July 4th, in time to join Steve on Bay Dreamer for fireworks off Fort Monroe. The following weekend, we celebrated Jayden's birthday with Adam's family and friends. The rain outside didn't dampen the fun, as the kids were already getting wet with water balloons and water guns.